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PRESENTED BY 
JUDGE acd KRS. ISAAC R. EIH, 

WASHINGTON, D. C. 

-1931- 







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MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 



LIFE AND CHARACTER 



JOHN R. GAMBLE, 

(A REPRESENTATIVE FROM SOUTH DAKOTA,) 



DELIVERED IN THE 



House of Representatives and in the Senate, 



FIFTY-SECOND CONGRESS. 



PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF CONGRESS. 



WASHINGTON : 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1893 



.Gr\sU5?, 



Besolved Inj the House of Beprescnta fives (the Senate conciirring). That 
there he printed of the enlojiies delivered in Congress upon the Hon. 
.loiix R. Gamble, hite a Eepresentative from the State of South Dakota, 
eight thousand copies, of which numher two thousand shall lie delivered 
to the Senators and Representatives of the State of South Dakota, which 
shall include fifty copies to be bound in full morocco, to he delivered to 
the family of the deceased; and of those remaining, two thousand copies 
shall be for the use of the Senate, and four thousand copies for the use of 
the House of Representatives ; and the Secretary of the Treasury is directed 
to have engraved and printed a portrait of the said Jonx R. Gamble to 
accompany said eulogies. 

Agreed to in the House of Representatives, April 15, 1!S92. 

Agreed to in the Senate, April 20, 1892. 



, Gilt from 

Judge and Mrs. Isaac R. Hitt 
Nov. 17, 1931 



DEATH OF REPRESENTATIVE GAMBLE. 



John Eankin Gamble died in Yankton, S. Dak., Friday 
August 14, 1891,.aged 43 years 7 months and 13 days' 

"John Gamble is dead." These wor.ls greeted the early 
risers Friday morning and were told at many bedsides in the 
early day. John K. Gamble dead ! There must be some mis- 
take. He can not be dead. We can not realize it'; and yet he 
is gone, and this city, the State and the West, have lost a good 
citizen, a loyal champion, and a grand representative. 

Mr. CUmble had been a sufferer with a heart trouble for 
many years. Indefatigable, as he seemed, and as industrious 
and persistent as he was, there was a limit to his strength, and 
he reached it. Thursday -he complained of an indisposition, 
and at 6 o'clock last night Dr. Turkopp, the family physician' 
was summoned. He left some medicine and called again at 9 
o'clock. Mr. Gamble seemed to be feeling better then; but 
at 12 o'clock the heart trouble, of which the mild illness of the 
day was a symptom, attacked hi.n, and Dr. Turkopp found him 
very weak and very much wearied when he reached the bed, 
side. His brothers, Hugh and Kobert, were with him until 
late last evening, but they had not the remotest idea that he 
would not be well on the way to recovery to-day. John ral- 
luHl from the attack and rested easily until about 3 a. m Dr 
Turkopp and Mrs. Gamble remaining with him. The doomeil 
man seemed, however, to reaUze his own c.ndition, but was 



3 



4 Dca III of Reprcseu la tiz 'c Ga >n hie. 

mueb encouraged that lie felt strouger. At about 3 : 30 o'clock, 
however, there came another attack, and Dr. Turkopp asked 
for a cpusultatiou of physicians. Dr. IMcGliuuphy was .sum- 
moned, and the two doctors applied external restoratives and 
made every effort to relieve the sufferer. Their efforts were 
partially successful, and Mr. Gamble rallied again. At 5:30, 
however, he began to fail rapidly, and at (i : 15, after having been 
unconscious for fifteen minutes, he drew one last feeble breath 
and was dead. Eobert (ramble had been called at 5:30, but 
his brother had passed into a partial unconsciousness and did 
not know him. 

John Eankin Gamble was born in, the town of Alabama, 
Genesee County, State of New York, on the 15th day of 
January, 1848. He was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. On his 
mother's side he was related to Andrew Jackson, his mother 
being a third cousin. He was brought up upon the farm, and 
attended the common schools in the neighborhood. He re 
moved with his people to Fox Lake, Wis., in the year 1862 and 
continued to reside on the farm. He was always an energetic, 
active, and studious young man, and was a leader in his work 
and the best student in his classes. By his industry at an 
early age he mastered all the studies taught in the schools of 
the neighl)orhood, and he then took up the work of self- 
instruction. He was always a great reader, and he made such 
advancement that when he entered Lawrence University at 
Appleton, Wis., in 18G7, he graduated the first in his chiss in 
1872, taking the full classical course. Prior to his entering col- 
lege and during his course he taught school, and largely paid his 
own way through his entire course. After his graduation he 
studied law with Dawes Brotheis, at Fox Lake, one of the lead- 
ing firms of central Wisconsin, and was admitted to the bar in 
August, 1873. He moved ti-om Wisconsin and located in Yank- 
ton, S. Dak., in September, 1873, and commenced the practice 



Death of Representative Gamble. 5 

of law. He has resided here continually since. In Xoveinber, 
1875, his brother, Kobert J. Gamble, joined him at Yankton, 
and tlie two have l)een partners in the law business since that 
time under the name of Gamble Brothers. 

On tlie2L'd of September, 1875, John was married at Fox Lake, 
Wis., to Fannie Davis, a daughter of the Hon. John W. Davis, 
a leading citizen of that part of the State. He leaves a wife 
and three children, Lillie M., aged 13, Alice J., aged 11, and 
John W., aged 7. His mother died in November, 1S80. Hi.s 
father is still living at Fox Lake, at the advanced age of 7fl 
years. He has also two brothers and one sister residing there. 
William A. Gamble, the eldest brother, keeps the old home- 
stead, and the aged fnther is with him, Hon. James C. Gamble, 
a leading and representative citizen of the county. His sister 
Margaret is the wife of Lieut. S. C. McDowell, who has held 
many official positions in that) part of the State, and was an 
officer in the Eighth Wisconsin Eegiment during the war. He 
has also another sister, Mrs. L. B. Bridgeman, who resides at 
Wakonda, in this county. His two younger brothers, Hugh S. 
and Itobert J., are residents of Yankton. ;Mr. Gamble's dif- 
ferent periods of public service were: 

As district attorney for Yankton County from 1870 to 1878. 

As United States attorney for Dakota Terrirory, after the 
death of Col. Pound, and until the appointment of Hugh. J. 
Campbell, in 1878. 

As a member of the house of representatives from Yankton 
County iu 1877, 1878, and 1879. 

As a member of the legislative council from Yankton from 
1881 to 1885, inclusive. 

He was elected a Representative in Congress from the State 
of South Dakota to the Fifty-second Congress, and was pre- 
paring to go to the National Capital and take his seat at the 
time of his death. 



6 Dcatli of Rcprcsentatiz>c Gamble. 

He had been iuliuitted to jji-actice before tlie Supreme Court 
of the United States, and had the reputation of possessing the 
greatest legal ability and knowledge. 

His law business had been lucrative, and he had accumu- 
lated moderately of tlio world's goods. 



The death of Hon. John 1\. Gamble is an event altogether 
unexpected. The intelligence came with a shock that has . 
served to intensify the feeling of bereavement which pervades 
the city and is keenly felt in every heart and home. A few 
days ago he was mingling with his fellow men, apparently in 
the best of health, planning fur the work which his newly as- 
sumed ofldcial position opened before him, in^^ting to a career 
that promised lasting honor to himself and great usefulness to 
his fellow citizens. His whole mind was in this work, and 
urging him to its performance was the will and the ability of 
one whose successes in life have proven that he possessed both 
qualities in a remarkable degree. 

Mr. Gamble has been a conspicuous figure in the aifairs of 
Dakota for the past fifteen or twenty years, and his name is as 
familiar as a household word throughout both the States that 
made up the former Territory. His active business life had its 
beginning and its ending here. From the young and briefless 
lawyer of twenty years ago he had grown to be a leader and an 
authority in his profession, ranking second to no one of the 
ablest attorneys and counselors in South Dakota. His natural 
endowments were of a high and valuable order, and these were 
supplemented by a liberal education and a miud thoroughly 
and intelligently disciplined. He was intuitively a lawyer, 
and grew step by step in his profession, spurred by an am- 
bition that never flagged or wavered. He was a rare worker. 
His application was a distinguishing trait. To his tireless 



Death of Representative Gamble. 7 

will was he indebted for the uiiiiiten-upted successes which 
greeted his professional labors. In this feature of his life the 
young who are sti'ivingto make headway may learn a valuable 
lesson. 

As a leader of puljlic opinion in matters of a political nature 
Mr. Gamble held a first place in the State. Here again iiis 
indomitable spirit, good abilities, and strong practical common 
sense made him eminent and influential, and during a period 
of nearly twenty yeais, always foremost iu the thickest of the 
conflict, his career was one of ahuost uninterrupted acliieve- 
ment. And better than this is the record of his public acts, 
wliich bear no stain or blemish to reflect upon the honor of his 
name. He was an uncompromising Eepublican. His politi 
cal principles were inborn and inseparable. He was an un- 
flinching and indomitable fighter and truely knew no sucli 
word as fail. Such a nature always attracts the affection and 
contidence of i)olitical friends, and can not escape the censure 
of political foes. Mr. Gamble was no exception to the rule, 
and yet no political leader iu the State has enjoyed the respect 
and confidence of all classes to a greater extent than he. 

In private life Mr. Gamble was a lovang husband, a gentle 
and indulgeut father. As a citizen he enjoyed the confidence 
and esteem of the entire community of Yankton, where his 
years of manliood liave been passed. It can be said of him 
that here he was thtiroughly known and thoroughly respected. 

His mouiming relatives and sorrow-stricken wife and chil- 
dren may surely know that their inconsolable grief is largely 
shared by the entire population of the city. Strong men 
strive in vain to check the tear of sorrow and bereavement. 
All feel bereaved — that if not a brother, a true friend, a worthy, 
able, and trusted citizen, whose future career promised so 
much of usefulness and honor, is lost to them. Yankton 
mourns the death of her foremost citizen — her gifted and hon- 
ored son. 



THE FUNERAL CEREMONIES, 



August 16, 1891. 



John Rankin Gamble, tlie deceased statesman, was buried 
Sunday, August 10, 1891, jimidst the tears of the community 
and the sorrow of the entire State. Of all South Dakota's 
afflictions, the death of Mr. GtAmblb has called forth the 
greatest number of expressions of sorrow, and the funeral was 
a State tribute to the memory of a departed son. 



address delivered by the rev. d. t. bradley. at the 
Congregational Church, Yankton. 

The occasion that calls us together today is one that has 
made thi.s entire community to bate its breath. Perhaps never 
in the history of this community has there been an event that 
has so profoundly moved it, or so suddenly startled it with 
dismay and sorrow. We have lost our chiefs in times past, 
but we were somewhat warned of their approaching departure, 
and we watched and waited while tlie lingering hope vanished. 
Not so with us now. We are awakened out of slumber at 
early dawn, only to learn that the heavy stroke had fallen, 
aud that our bi-ave and honored chieftain only now walking in 
health among us would speak to us no more. The stroke has 
made us speechless with grief. It is not necessary to say that 
8 



The Funeral Ccrcnioiiies. 9 

the feeling of personal loss, and especially of the commiiuity's 
loss, is shared by men of every faith and men of every thonght 
in this city. While men live they are rivals; they are oppo- 
nents often. They seek similar ends by different methods 
and disagree. When men die, rivalry vanishes, opposition is 
quiet, and the limits of the city contain no man so narrow 
who is not glad to bring his meed of praise to him who loved 
his people, and with all his heart and power of mind endeav- 
ored to his best judgment to serve them. So it is with us 
today. We are united in paying our respect to this serva t 
of his people, this man who loved Yankton and South Dakota, 
and lived for their honor and renown. 

Leadership makes it impossible in our democratic communi- 
ties for any man who is the leader to become universally 
popular. Every question that arises for settlement in the 
city and the State has two sides. It is susceptible of being 
looked upon by honest men from ()pi)osing points of view. 
Men who lead in these opposing views incur the prejudice of 
those who hold different opinions. In proportion as they are 
earnest and successful, in that proportion do they have strong 
public foes. In the strife of opinions there come to be per- 
sonal estrangements, coldness, lack ( )f sympathies. Leadership 
has this burden to carry — the burden of condemnation from a 
portion of the community. So that a tine leader of men 
can not be universally popular. But he can be universally 
respected. Men who oppose him may say he was wrong in his 
opinion, faulty in his method, short-sighted in his outlook. 
And the reverse is said by those who follow him and believe 
in his wisdom. But all caU'Say he was true in his purpose, 
honest in his convictions and brave to follow them — he was 
loyal, patriotic, generous, and noble in character. It is so 
with us to-day. However much we have differed in our views 
we can agree together and say here is one who tried with his 



10 ■ The Funeral Ceremonies. 

best effort to serve Ms people, and spared no paitis to give 
them good governiueut and peace and prosperity. A man 
-who according to his liglit sought justice for the individual, 
prosperity for the comnumity, and honor and dignity for the 
State. 

It has been plain during all these years that here was a man 
who had in an eminent degree the qualities of leadership. It 
was no accident that made his brother attorneys in all this 
region where his counsel and his advocacy were known, to con- 
cede to him the foremost place. It was no accident that placed 
Mm at the front among older and more experienced men in 
political life. There were qualities of mind and heart here, not 
distributed freely among all men, (pialities of vision that could 
see through the intricacies and mazes of a legal problem or a 
political (luestion to the very principle that lay at its heart. 
That quality made him a leader. There was a power of con- 
centration that could bring all the faculties to bear upon the 
given point, long enough to grasp and master and handle it. 
That was no common quality that made him a leader. There 
was a (luality of earnestness here whicli having led him to take 
up a cause, made him carry it through with tremendous energy 
to success. ISfo one could question the earnestness of this man, 
who, whatever he undertook, pushed it with all the power of his 
nature, regardless of obstacles. Then there was the quality of 
industry — tireless, ceaseless industry, that worked brain and 
nerve and body until all fell exhausted under the tremendous 
purpose of the will ; that was a marked quality, an imperial 
quality. Then there was his courage that would lead him to 
undertake hard things, and things thatmade other men cringe 
and (luail, undertake them and carry them bravely to a suc- 
cessful issue. There was a quality of will— an imperious will, 
that haviUg set forth to attain carried him to the goal in spite 
of discouragement. These qualities made him a leader. 



The Funeral Ceremonies. 1 1 

Tt is vain to think that fortuitous circumstances or lucky 
combinations or accidental events brought to the very front 
of professional and jjolitical honor that peimiless law student 
who arrived here in 1872 without alliances, without office, and 
without influential friends. These things were worked out 
in strenuous toil, by a gifted soul that knew its powers and 
industriously employed them, conquering all obstacles— ob- 
stacles that were by no means few or feeble. Men in this 
presence knew how it was done, and how while other men. 
were idling or were sleeping he was plodding late and early 
at the books or the papers, or studying to know the last de- 
tail of the political situation or the trend of public affairs. 

But such leadership brings with it grave responsibilities 
and serious temptations. There are opportunities for the 
leader to secure temporary success by dishonorable means. 
It is sufficient to be said of our friend in his various public 
places of trust his integrity of character has never been im- 
peached. No stain of corruption ever rested against his pub- 
lic fame, no taint of pollution ever was whispered of his private 
life. His hands were clean and liis integrity and honor he 
preserved stainless amid the contention and strife of eighteen 
years of earnest and persistent public effort which ended iu 
high public honor. 

I think it will be generally conceded by friend and partisan 
foe alike, that when the votes were counted last November 
and it was found that the cause he had espoused liad triumphed 
in this State, the greatest caedit for stemniingthetideofdeleat, 
for courageously meeting the people, and for brave utterances 
that checked disaster, was given to John K. Gamble. 

It is needless to add that in all these spheres of labor he 
has been of the greatest usefulness to the community and to 
the State. There is a sort of feeling abroad, indefinable and 
hard to describe, that the people owe no debt of gratitude to 



s 



1 2 The Funeral Ceremonies. 

tlie men wlio guide the affairs of the State in times of peace, 
unless they accomplish some monumental thing that lives in 
history. But is it not true that to hold the State or com- 
munity true to its ordinary course, to give it chance for proper 
development, to shape its laws, guide Its policy, to manage its 
machinery, and to see to it that the peojile are brought up to 
their political duty, in other words to let the true nature of 
the State and the people be so unhampered and unhindered as 
to permit it to move swiftly and smoothly in its course of nor- 
mal prosperity — are not those who aid in the accomplisliment 
of these ends worthy of our deepest gratitude "^ In time of 
war we want soldiers, and we deck their brows as they return 
victorious, or deck their graves when they come back slain. 
But in peace we need leaders who will so lead that peace shall 
steadily flow on untrammeled and unimpeded ; that the 
genius of the people shall have no check and drawback; that 
the will of the majority shall have sway. We need to be 
grateful that as a State we have had such leaders, and that 
to-day, as a commonwealth, the people have the rule, and that 
they are checked and hindered by no unnatural and needless 
obstacles, and that the honor and integrity of the State stands 
before the world inferior to none. For these results and for 
the vict(U-ies of peace we owe to sui'h men as our friend here 
a debt of profound gratitude. 

But upon these matters other men may speak more wisely 
than I, and the public press has already, without exception, 
whether friend or public opponent, spoken without quiilifica- 
tion and with perfect unanimity in recognition of his eminent 
public services. I need not speak further of this. This com- 
munity and this State will surely miss in the months just before 
us the strength and helj) and sound judgment of this man, this 
capable and honored citizen. How sorely he will be missed 
only those who carry the heavy burdens of the community can 
adequately testify. 



The Funeral Ceremonies. 13 

I will speak of liiin • as a mau. He was my friend, and iu 
these brief years I had found something of his worth. But 
tliose of you who worked with him, those of you who had found 
him helpful to you for many jearsin the timeof need, and I know 
not how many there are wlio have thus found him a helper^ 
those of you who had come in contact with his f>enerous heart 
can speak of this better than I, a"ml vm\ think of him and his 
noble service in personal gratitude to day. Some men come 
to be naturally the men to wlnnn otliers go for fiivors and ben- 
efits. It comes to be expected of them that they will use tlieir 
time, their efforts, their money iu the way of conferring i)er- 
sonal benefits upon all who need. It was so witli our friend. 
Men sought him from far and near for help. I do not now re- 
fer to professional help, but to other help for which there was 
no compensation intended or expected, and they received it, 
and time, money, influence, all was freely given to the service 
of those who soixght it. 

Then again, this was a friendly man. He had a friendly 
heart. Men did not easily discover it. It was not worn upon 
the sleeve. It was not manifested in the ordinary ways and 
expressions. It was found only after time had passed, and 
when trial and trouble had tested it, and penetrated to its hid- 
den depths. 

These brothers and sisters who for these long years have 
showed the love of an unbroken family, especially those who 
worked side by side— first in the wheat field, then in the school, 
and then in this ample oflice; these men who have grown 
mature together, who, like Jonathan and David, have been 
loyal and just and aflectionate under circumstances of business 
relations that would sorely test the greatest love— they found 
this man's heart, and found it true. These others who have 
shared the shelter of this happy oflBce and have been inspired 
to higher and better things in life by this man, found his lieart 



14 The Funeral Ceremonies. 

and found it generous. These public men, whom the people 
honor, who have traveled over this State in political cam-, 
paigns together, and together with him have entered the fierce 
strife of party caucus and public convention, found his heart 
and found it loyal. 

And if we may for the moment enter the sacred portals of 
the home and speak of her to whom he gave the full meas- 
ure of his deepest aft'ection, in the home the loyal wife who 
with him wrought out their success, found his heart and found 
it always undivided and unalterably true. 

These little children, about whom this sturdy man's heart 
clung with the attection of a strong, earnest nature, found his 
heart and found it gentle, noble, and affectionate. 

This private life of loyalty and love, how pleasant it is to 
think of ? How the memory of some of you goes back to the 
boyhood, when this young soul, earnest to attain the better 
things, inspired by a sainted mother whose spirit and whose 
faith were imparted to all of her children, stirred by a right 
-ambition, went away from home and by dint of strenuous effort, 
sacrifice, and economy, helped and urged on by the older ones 
of the family, won his way through college. What an affec- 
tionate family, inspiring each other to good works, toiling to 
help one another and glad to sec, without envy w unworthy 
thought, the success of the other. And that private love and 
loyalty has never suffered abatement, never known any change. 
In the most intricate, business relations there was needed no 
papers of agreements or contiacts. These men and women 
trusted ime another, never doubted each other, nor gave oppor- 
tunity for doubt, and when one suffered all suffei'ed together, 
and when one succeeded all rejoiced. It is a consolation to 
think of these things at this hour when the earthly tie is sun- 
dered and the charmed circle is broken. 

I have si)okeu of the ftiith of our friend. He received a her- 



The Funeral Ceremonies, 15 

itage of faith from a devout parent, and he kept it to the end. 
Unfortunately in the stress of public affairs and of official life, 
that active interest in the spiritual work of this church, of 
which he became a member in 1875, was wanting, and both his 
own experience and the work of this church felt the lack, but 
he was ever a loyal and liberal supporter of the church, and 
never lost faith in the fundamentals of a Christain hope. On 
the great principles of righteousness his views were those of 
evangelical religion, and in more than one conversation on 
these matters I have found him heartily in accord with those 
fundamental truths. But lew of us whose lives are placed 
where the temptations to lose sight of the spiritual are only 
slight can appreciate the difficulty of adjusting a taxing and 
trying professional and public political life to the deeper 
concerns of spiritual things. It is certain that many of our 
best public men miss a great source of strength and solace in 
failing to secure the profounder spiritual intlnences, aiid the 
church loses the strength of mind and Judgment that it should 
receive from them. It is a matter of regret that those who are 
most capable of receiving the deepest spiritual impressions and 
impart them are thus deprived of the support and the serenity 
that comes from keeping a firm hold on spiritual religion. But 
with our friend these spiritual things weie not despised or 
counted as of no value. It was sim])]y that they became over- 
shadowed in th'e great struggle of life. The liard, incessant 
work of mind and- body left little time for the things of faith. 
But the shadows came. In the prime of life they came. In 
the best days of manhood the vital powers received a deadly 
blow. It was prophetic of the end soon to^ome that our friend 
made special efforts to finish up his business that had been 
accumulating, and get all the old cases out of the way. He 
dooked upon it as a preparation for the great assembly of law- 
makers at Washington, where he was to have an honorable 



16 The Funeral Ceremonies. 

place in representing his State. Little did be think that he 
should so soon be ushered into that vaster eoinpany of those 
who have suffered, toiled, and struggled in the battle of life, 
and weary with its strife have passed over to the other side. 
But so it was to be. The end came, and it came swiftly and 
with little pain. 

May we not trust that as the darkness of death fell upon 
the strong, earnest soul the sun of righteousness dawned into 
his heart with the radiant light of hope and faith. May we 
not believe that as the tender ministrations of a loving hand 
soothed away from the brow the agony of pain the pro founder 
ministrations of the Divine spirit spoke of a Savior's love and 
mercy and sins cleansed in a Ee<leem('r's blood. May we not 
hope that as the night settled thick upon the fast ebbing life 
he could catch the In-eath of a better laiul and discern a ray of 
light from the brighter morning. 

After Mr. Bradley, Rev. Mr. Clough prayed most eloquently 
for the final rest of the departed soul, the choir sang "Lead 
kindly light," and the funeral procession took up its way to 
the cemetery. At the grave the last offices of the church 
were performed, the earth was deposited upon the coffin, and 
John R. Gamble took his place in memory, there to live 
in devoted remembrance through the lapsing years. 



PROCF.EDIXGS IX THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 



ANNOUNCEMENT OF DEATH. 



January 5, 1S!)2. 

Mr. PicKLER, of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, a melanclioly 
duty it i.s, that I atiiiouuce to the Hou.se the death of oue of 
its luember.s, my late colleague, the Hon. John R. (tAMule, a 
Represeutative from the 8tate of South Dakota. 

He died at his home in the city of Yankton, suddenly, of 
heart disease, on the 14th day of August last, aged -i^ years. 

Although young in years, and as humanity reckons too young 
to die, he lived long enough to impress himself upon ihe his- 
tory of his young State, for whose admission into the Union 
he had long and faithfully labored. 

He was a genial gentleman, a talented lawyer, an honest 
man, a favorite with the i)eopk'. 

He was honored with the public offices of district attorney 
of Yankton County, United States attorney for the Territory 
of Dakota; as a member of both branches of the Territorial 
legislature; as a member of one of its constitutional conven- 
tions; and was elected to the Fifty-second Congress, for the 
duties of which he was preparing when dcatli terminated his 
young manhood. The members from his State will later in 
the session ask that a time be set a part, that appropriate ac- 
tion may be taken in memory of the deceased. 

H. Mis. .s;{ li 



18 Proceedings in the House of Represeiitatii^es. 

Mr. Speaker, I uow ask uuauiinous consent for the immedi- 
ate consicleratiou of tlie following resolution: 
The Clerk read as follows : 

Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the <l(!ath 
of Hon. John R. Gamble, late a Represeutative from Soutli Dakota. 

liesolred. That as a mark of respect to his memory the House do now 
adjourn. 

Tlie motion was agreed to. 

And accordingly (at 3 o'clock and -JS minutes p. m.) tlie House 
adjourned. 



EULOGIES. 



iNlARCH 12, 1S92. 
The Speaker. The Clerk will report the special order. 
The Clerk read as follows : 

Resolced, That Saturday, March 12, beginning at 2 o'clock p. ni., be set 
apart for paying tribute to the memory of Hon. John K. Gamble, late a 
member of the House of Representatives at large from the State of South 
Dakota. 

Mr. PiCKLER. Mr. Speaker, I otier the rcsolutious 1 send 
to the desk. 
The Clerk read as follows: 

Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended that an 
opportunity be given for tributes to the memory of Hon. John E. Gamble, 
late a Representative at large from the State of South Dakota. 

licsoh'ed. That the Clerk be directed to communicate a copy of the reso- 
lutions of the Senate. 

Required, Tluit, as a further mark of respect to the memory of the de- 
ceased and his public services, the House, at the conclusion of these memo- 
rial proceedings, sluill stand adjourued. 



Address of Mr. Pickler, of South Dakota. 

, Mr. Speaker: It is seldom the House comiiHnuorates the 
death of a member so yoiiug' as he who is the subject of the 
special order of to-day. 

Tlie Hon. John R. Gamble, my late coUeagne, a liepresen- 
tative from the State of Sonth Dakota, was born in the town 
of Alabama, Genesee County, N. Y., on the 15th day of January, 

19 



20 Address of Mr. Picklcr, of Soiitli Dakota, on the 

1848, aud died at his lioiiie \\\ the eity of Yankton on the 14tli 
day of August, 1891, aged 43 years 7 mouths aud 14 days, aud 
before he had taken liis seat in this House. 

He removed with liis people to Fox Lake, Wis., in the year 
ISOli. 

He was brought up on a farm, attended the common schools, 
was active, studious, and energetic. He was at the head of 
his classes, later a school-teacher aud self-instructor. 

He was always a great reader. 

He entered the Lawrence University at Appleton, ^Yis., and 
graduated in 1872, first in his class, having taken a full clas- 
sical course. He paid his way through college principally 
from money earned teaching school. 

He was admitted to the bar in 1873, and in September of 
the same year removed to Yankton, S. Dak., and commenced 
the practice of law. His brother, Robert J. Gamble, joined 
him in 1875, and the two entered into partnership in the 
practice of the legal profession at that place, which partner- 
ship continued until the death of John. 

He was a natural debater, a persistent and energetic stu- 
dent, and ra]>idly rose to distinction at the bar. 

He was happily married, in the year 1875, to Fannie Djvis, 
a daughter of Hon. John W. Davis, a prominent citizen of 
Wisconsin. His wife and their three children, Lille M., aged 
13; Alice J., aged 11, and .Tohn W., aged 7 years, survive 
him. 

His brother Robert, his law partner, himself an able law- 
yer and distinguished citizen of the State, and who was his 
most intimate associate, says of him, in answer to my inquiry 
concerning his brother's history: 

'• For two years we roomed together while at college. He 
was always an inspiration to me by his industry and enthu- 
siasm through my early years at school and college and in the 



Life and Character of John R. Gamble. 21 

practice of law. He was capable, until tlie last few years of 
liis life, of accomplisbiiii;- more work in tlie same aiiiduiit of 
time than any otlier person with whom I have come in con- 
tact. This was characteristic of him in all his undertakings 
and throughout his whole life. As a lawyer I regarded hiu) 
as the most painstaking, thorough, ettlcient one I ever knew, 
not only in his preparation in the law but as to all the details 
of the trial. He could take in the essential and prominent 
features of the case with the safest judgment, and know at 
tirst upon what Hues the contest would be made, anil with the 
greatest grasp of any ])ersou with whom I have ever beeu 
associated. In all his contests at the bar he was always pos- 
sessed of indomitable persistency and would never give up. 
He was always conservative in his judgment, and appeared 
to have an instinct of the reasons of the law and the princi- 
ples applicable to each case in hand. He was strictly honest 
in his practice as a lawyer, and would scorn to do anything 
mean or low, even though it might be of temporary advantage 
to him in his practice. This was characteristic of him in all 
his business transactions. I do not know that I e\er heard, 
through all my business with him, of any person who inti- 
mated a word as to his integrity or truthfulness. 

''He was positive in his convictions^ and under all circum- 
stances was loyal to principle as well as party. At times he 
was subjected to severe criticism; it would naturally arise 
from the bitter contests involved ; but through it all, whether 
local or during his connection with Territorial politics, I think 
even his bitterest enemies accorded him political honesty, and 
that in no case did they ever charge him with the betrayal 
of a friend or anything that would be construed as dishonest 
or dishonorable. 

" He was a man of noble instincts, and it is of the greatest 
bereavement to me that his life was so untimely cut ofl'. I 



22 Address of Mr. Pickler, of South Dakota, on the 

deeply miss bim and his aid and couusel, aud there is scarce 
u book in the libraiy or au article about theoiiice which is uot 
a constant reminder of him." 

In this noble and truthful tribute of a loving brother every 
one aciinainted with his true character v.ill cordially join. 

The unexpected announcement of his death produced a shock 
to the people of the State seldom if ever before felt at the 
death of any other citizen. From a human standpoint his time 
Lad not come. This conclusion is one of the common mistakes 
of humanity. A life's usefulness is not always measured by 
the years it numbers. A man's success is not recorded by the 
months of the calendar. History is rich in examples of men. 
whom death has claimed in young manhood, who, by their in- 
dustry, perseverance, genius, great hearts, and nobility of 
character, are — 

Of the few, the immortal names, 
That were uot bom to die. 

John R. Gamble lived long enough to impress him.self in- 
delibly upon the history of his young Commonwealth, to stamp 
his thought into its formative period, to have been at various 
times honored with positions of trust in its government, and 
until he had entered upon an enlarged field of action as its 
representative in the councils of the nation, placed there by 
the popular voice of the people of the State — a life long 
enough to establish a character for honesty, integrity, and 
ability that has endeared him to the hearts of the people, and 
which will perpetaate his memory 'in the long years to come as 
one of the State's tried and most trusted public servants. 

He was a politician — a politician in the broader and better 
sense of the term. Where, under the present classification in 
American politics, the line separating the politician from the 
statesman shall be drawn, is a difficult (piestion to answer. 



Life and Cliaractcr of John R. Gamble. 23 

To define wliat duties performed constitute the politician, 
and what others the statesman, remains an unsolved piobleni. 
The politician in the broader, better, and higlier sense is the 
statesman. Such were the cluiracteristics ofJoHN K. (tAmblk. 
He was an honest ])olitician, he was a citizen interested in the 
affairs of his State, he was alive to the pul)hc welfare, aiul de- 
sired the best government for the Commonwealth. He was 
loyal to her aims and interests, and he had faith in her success. 
He came to her when a Territory; he battled in her develoy)- 
ment. He was tixed in principle and stable in character. 
While firm in his own o])inions, he was tolerant of tliose who 
differed from him. 

Had death spareil him, he would have been found in the na- 
tional Congress, bringing the same ability,' industry, and perse- 
verance to bear upon national questions that had characterized 
him in the public affairs of his own State. The nation would 
have learned of him what the State had known for years past. 

Logical in the treatment of questions, a master in the co.n- 
mittee room, argumentative in debate, clear in presentation, 
and earnest in advocacy, his ability would have impressed 
itself upon the affairs of the country. 

The history of the State and its long struggle for stateliood 
■would be wholly incomplete without the connection of .Ioiin 
R. Gamble therewith. And in the great contest for tiie di- 
vision of the Territory he stood firm and immovable for the; 
division. I am fully convinced that there were more times 
than one during that memorable and most important contest 
that if a half dozen of the old leaders, including Gamble, 
had wavered in their support division w(nild have been lost, 
and the great ]>ossibilities of two States would have been for- 
ever sacrificed. 

Who can estimate his and his colleagues' great worlv in lead- 
ing in the accomplislinient of this grand result, forming two 



24 Address of Mr. Pickhn\ of South Dakota, on the 

a 
States instead of one, to contiune (luriiii;- the existeuce of the 

American Union, with all the grand ))0ssibihties tliat two 

States have more than one? Nor can we of this generation 

even contemplate the importance nor what it may mean iu the 

years of the future, by the two additional votes in the United 

States Senate in the contests for sniircniacy which may arise 

between the different localities of the nation. 

It was political sajiacity and tnie statesmanship that in- 
spired such leaders as Ga:\ii5le to persevere against all oppo- 
sition until two States were carved from the broad Dakota 
Territory of the Northwest. 

The flag of our country will for all time be indebted to these 
meu for an additional star. Their acts grow great in impor- 
tance as the years "go by. To divine the magnitude of this 
deed is to measure the possibilities of a coming great Common- 
wealth in all the future years. 

No member of the legislature of ISSO from the southern half 
of the Territory which met at Bismai'ck can forget what a tower 
of strength John R. Gamble, then serving in the council, was 
in the consideration of all qiiestions which teude<l to make 
division certain and further the interests of South Dakota. 

I have no hesitation in saying that for severity, continuance, 
fierceness, and equality of strength, no contest in the Territory 
or State has surpassed the struggle of the men.of the South iu 
that legislature against the men of the North in the attempt 
of tlie former to remove the capital of the Territory from Bis- 
marck to Pierre. 

The i)eople of the South, owing to their remoteness from the 
scene of conflict, never fully realized the magnitude of the un- 
dertaking of their members in the i)assage of this measure; 
their heroic endurance during all the weeks of the struggle; 
nor their chagrin and disai)])ointinent when, after its tinal pas- 
sage, the results of th(>ir arduous labors were dashed to the 
ground by the governor's veto. 



Life and Cliaraclcr of Joltii R. Oaniblc. 25 

As a member of that liousc, cldsely watching the aetioii of 
the other and upper body, I may say that tliat legisLitive 
council, never, in my ojiinion, lias been surpassed in ability 
by either branch of a Dakota legislature, either Territorial 
or State. 

My deceased colleague was an acknowledged leader in that 
ecmncil; and in the contest alluded to, a contest which was en- 
tered upon by the members of South Dakota more to empha- 
size the determination of the people of the South to battle to 
the end and l)y all legitimate means tor the division of the 
Territory than from the desire to change its capital, John R. 
(tAMBLE, the member from Yankton Oounty, from the first 
reading of the bill to the vote to lay on the table the motion 
to reconsider the vote by which it was jjassed, was its firm, 
unflinching, able, and determined advocate. 

And right royally were these lea<lers for the division of the 
Territory supported by practically all the people of the pres- 
ejit State of South Dakota. Xo people were ever more con- 
scientious in an opinion than were the people of the south 
half of the Territory that the division of this large Territory 
into two States was for the highest interests of both sections, 
and seldom if ever were a people more determined, more pa- 
tient, and more i)ersistent in battling- for any object than were 
the patriotic, wise, and farseeing citizens of South Dakota, 
struggling for division through long years of trial and disap- 
pointment to a final and grand success. 

They builded bettA- than they knew, as will more clearly 
appear as the years go by. 

And it is safe to say that a. people witli the vigor, determi- 
natioi*^ and intelligence exhibited in the contest for division 
by the people of South Dakota will erect a State worthy of 
the honored sisterhood into which it lias l)een admitted— a 
State whose history shall be a fitting crown of tiie efforts of 



26 Address of Mr. Picklcr., of South Dakota., on the 

John R. Gamble and the people wlioiu he was elet-ted to rep- 
resent ill the Fifty-secDiid Congress. 

The life of my late calleajiueis an added example of the benefi- 
cence (if our repnblicim form of li'overnmout, and the large 
possibilities that are open to the earnest, energetic, deter- 
nuued American yontli. 

A jioor boy, acquiring his education almost solely through his 
own earningsand exertion, he sn[)pleniented the same by a thor- 
ough coni'se in law, rising to distinction in that profession, to 
rank among the first lawyers of his State. Political preferment 
was likewise accorded him at various times. 

He was honored with the public offices of district attornej' of 
Yankton County and United States attorney of the Territory 
of Dakota; was a member of both branches of the Territorial 
legislature; a member of one of its constitutional conventions, 
and was elected to the Fifty-second Congress, tor the duties of 
which he was preparing when death terminated his young man- 
hood. 

He visited the House during the closing days of the Fifty- 
first Congress. He was deeply interested in all that tran- 
spired, noting the methods of procedure, familiarizing him- 
self with the rules, inquiring as to the details of ])usiness, and 
in every way striving to eipiip himself to render the best serv- 
ice to his constituents. 

We were elected at large as Kepresentatives from our State 
upon the same ticket, and in our freipient eommunit'atious and 
consiUtations, until his death, his fair and frank conduct in 
the treatment of various jiublic matters hail drawn me toward 
him with a warm regard, and I felt the growth of a personal 
friendship, from wliich 1 contemplated much ])leasure as well 
as profit in the future. 

His death is a calamity to tlie State, to myself a source of 
real liereavemcnt. 



Lijc and Character of Jolui R. Gaviblc. 27 

His character was that of the frank, rugged, resolute, West- 
ern pioneer. He loved the new land iuto which he came iu its 
very early history. His miud was as J)road as the boundless 
prairie in which his life was spent; his will as resistless as 
its winter's storm; his spirit as genial as its summer breeze; 
his purpose as constant as the flow of the great river u])on 
whose banks he dwelt, and attuned ti> whose measured mur- 
mur his life went on. 

He will be missed by the courts of the State in his clear, log- 
ical and iiainstaking ijresentation of the contentions of which 
he was an advocate. He will be missed by the members of the 
bar in his genial, jovial, kiiul-hearted intercourse with them. 

He will be missed by the Eepublican party of the State in 
its councils, consultations, and conventions. He will be missed 
by a large concourse of friends in both Dakotas, drawn to him 
by long years of jdeasant and intimate associations while the 
States comprised one Territory. 

He will be missed by his fellow-towusnum in his own city, 
with whom he had so long gone iu and out, and whose esteem 
he had wou as a high-minded, public-spirited citizen. 

But above all, and more than all, he will be missed l)y that 
wife with wlwmi he had so long traveled life's journey, who had 
lovingly shared in his trials and ambitions and rejoiced in his 
successes and achievements. Her sorrow is her own. And 
his children, to whom he was a peculiarly tender and attection- 
ate lather, will miss him and mom-n his loss with the over-, 
whelming grief that only comes to the child in the loss of a 
parent. 

To the stricken wife and children in this day of their trouble 
I desire to tender the sincere sympathy of the people of the 
whole State, commending them to the tender mercies of the 
Father of all. 



28 Address of Mr. /\rkins,o/ /ozaa,on the 

Kindly in natuic, ^cnt'ions in disposition, true in fiicndslii|). 
the people of 8outli l):il<ot;i moiun his loss. 

For honesty of puri)ose, devotion to piauciple, and nobility 
of c'liaracter the life of John R. Gamhu-; attbrdsan illiistiious 
example to the people of his State. 

Peace to his ashes, honor to his memory. 

Fleet loot on the conei, 

.Sage counsel ia cumber, 
Ked haml iu the I'oiay, 

How souutl is thy slumber I 

Like the dew on the ninunrain. 

Like the foam on the river, 
Like the bubble ou tl e Ibuntaiu, 

Tliou art iroue, anil forever! 



Address of Mr. Perkins, of Iowa. 

Mr. Speaker: In August, 1S91, in the summer days, the 
mortal life of John Eankin Gamble suddenly went out. In 
the previous November he had been eleeted by the people of 
his young State to a seat in this House. For eighteen years 
his home had been at Yankton, the old cajntal of the great 
Territory. From the wilderness, threade<l by the turbid Mis- 
souri and stretching northward to the Uritish possessions, he 
lived to see two States of this Union fashioned. 

He lived to see the thought of his own mind blazoned in im- 
mortal stars upon the tlag of the great Kepublie. Wliat this 
meant to him I know something; for my home is just over 
the border in Iowa, on the same river, and from tlie bluffs that 
skirt it I can look over on the plane of that promised land 
stretching out between the Missouri and the Big Sioux rivers 
like a diamond. The work of John E. Gamble was done at 
home. He was loyal to his own country and to his own [leople. 



Life and Cliaracter of John R. Gavihle. 29 

By inliereut .sticiiyth of purpo.se and (character lie was a chief 
among them, lie f'onght a good liglit. 

His life was not ix-aceful. It was a life of strong eontentioii. 
He was a leader upon issues tliat appealed to the courage and 
to the patriotism of men, for in his time were determined ques- 
tions whose relationshii) was beyond his day, beyond his gen- 
eration, beyond his century — aye, Mr. Speaker, whose rela- 
tionship is with all the years of the measureless fiitun\ The 
battles he fought, the victories he helped to win, were not for 
himself, save as he was one of all; they were battles fought 
and victories won for the children and the children's children, 
for the time Iteing and for all time, foi' the Dakotas and for the 
great sisterhood into which they have come. 

The American spirit is generous toward achievement. It 
does not crown the family name, it does not dignify lineage, it 
gives no approval to title, but it crowns and dignities and ap- 
proves that nobility of pei«sonal cUai'acter, that loyalty of serv- 
ice, that excellence of the life of the individual with which, 
from whatever origin and over whatever pathway, he may be 
able to characterize himself. 

In our American civilization no bar is raised against any 
man. The kingdom may be his in this kingly land. And I am 
glad here to-day, Jlr. Speaker, in this i)reseuce, to point the 
American boy, the poor, the tried, whosoever in his environ- 
ment looks at every turn into the haid face of discoui'agement, 
to the life and example and triumj)!! of John E. Gamble. 

I need not follow his record minutely. Others are better 
<iualified to do that. But here in the far East, in the great 
Empire State of New York, he was born, no longer ago than 
1848. He was a farmer boy. He was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. 
He had from his mother's side the blood of Andre\\- Jackson 
in his veins. That he had resolution, that he had strength of 



30 Address of Mr. Perkins, of Io7va, on the 

purpose, that lie had courage, no one who ever knew him ever 
<|Hestioned. He was born to battle and ready armed. 

At 14 years of age lie removed with his family to Wisconsin, 
where the farm life was coutiiined. He keenly appreciated 
the importance of an educatirm. and it was ;i liaj)py day for 
him wlien, in 1867, he became a student in Appletou Univer- 
sity, and a proud day for him when, in 1S72, triumphant 
against all the odds of poverty, he graduated the first of his 
class. Like many others, lie helped himself along at intervals 
by teaching school. A simple story, familiar through rei)e- 
tition. 

The silken thread binds many men and families together. 
The jewels men grown old and growing old hold priceless in 
the security of their menuu'ies are earnings of their self denial 
and of their self-sacrifice, the fruits of which enriched their 
minds and added strength and fortitude to their characters, 
and overtlowed into the lives of others. There is no rewai'd, 
Mr. Si)caker, whicli outlasts life and sweetens all life save that 
won in deprivation, in hard struggle, in pursuit of a standard 
set higher than personal ambiticm. We prize those things 
which cost us dearest: we knit ourselves into other lives as 
we make those lives our life. The way to glory is the humble 
way of service; the shining way is the way of sacrifice, and 
the retrospect lights up radiantly in the measure of the hero- 
ism, the patriotism, the love, in which hope kej)! courage 
com])any in the struggle through the years, by day and by 
night. All final recompense in living for self is in living and 
doing for others. 

In August, 1873, Mr. (Iajible was admitted to the bar to 
practice law, and a mouth later, a young man of 25 years of 
age, he appeared in Yankton, Dakota Territory, to make 
a home. Two years later, at Fox Lake, Wis., he was mar- 
ried. His wife and three children survive him. At the time 
of his death his age was -1:3 years 7 months and 13 days. 



Life and Character of John R. Gamble. 31 

Mr. Gamblk was an active participant in all the sharp con- 
tests of the people of the Territory peudiuo'. its tiiial division 
and admission into tlie Uuion as Noi'th and South JJaliota. 
Few about me here to-day can realis^ the vigor of those con- 
tests or aiipreciate the maguitnde of the issues involved. He 
never faltered in liis loyalty to the city of his adoption, np to 
1SS;5 the capital of the Territory. In that year, foUowing a 
remarkable contest, the capital was removed to Bismarck, a 
city created by the Northern Pacitie Railroad at the crossing 
of the Missonri lliver. The removal was involved in the 
division and statehood (piestion, and Mr. Gamble, putting 
behind him all minor ([uestions, held his leadershij} as a pru- 
dent counselor in the greater contest which terminated in the 
fall of 1889— statehood for North and South Dakota. 

Mr. Gamble was district attorney for Yankton County from 
187(5 to 1878; he succeeded Col. Pound, on his death, as United. 
States district attorney, which office he held until the appoint- 
ment of H. .T. Campbell in 1878 ; he was a member of the Terri- 
torial house from Yankton County in 1877, 1878, and 1879, and 
a member of the Territorial council trom 1881 to 1885, inclusive. 

1 simply cite the record to establish my point that his activity 
in public affairs was continuous. He was not ambitions f(')r 
public office; he was ambitious to be of help in directing the 
policy of the new country into the best channels. The antag- 
onisms at times were extreme; the divisions at times were bit- 
ter — and John R. Gamble was always where the fight was 
thickest. 

And yet, Mr. Speaker, no tribute to his memory is ec^ual to 
this, that every shred of enmity was blotted out of every heart 
when tlie news was spread that August day that John R. 
Gamble was dead ! All the war was over. All now were the 
tender fi'ieiids of the one gone hence in anight from the activ- 
ities of this life into the shoreless life hidden in eternity. All 



32 Address of Mr. Perkins^ of lozva, on iJic 

now were ricli in syiiiiiatby, whereof luiiiian nature is so con- 
strained to make concealment, toward those in the narrow cir- 
cle of the stricken home whence the life of the tender husband 
and loving father had aone out, and upon which the shadow 
impenetrable had settled. xVnd why"? Because at last to 
every man comes justice. Because at last the character grown 
in the slow years shines out in the night of death, and illumines 
the way of the soul's grandeur and immortality. 

There are no riches, Mr. Speaker, comparable to the riches 
of character. It is the light of man's immortality. It is the 
anchorage of the soul. It is the shield against malice. It is 
the light in which some day, near or far, we may see eye to 
eye. It establishes in all the world its kinship, and, to the 
grave, if sadly not before, it brings the homage as it is known 
of all its kindred. And thus it is to be victor over death and 
the grave. lu.this ultimate triumph John Gamble died! It 
is my royal privilege here to-day, his neighbor and his friend, 
to commend the story of his resolute life to the American 
]ieoplt'. 

We lose ourselves, Mr. Speaker, iu the byways of our lives. 
Death calls us home. Death unlocks a life and lets it out into 
the intiuite world, and death unlocks the secret chambers of 
our hearts and lets forth the sweet sympathies which refresh 
as a heavenly shower the pinched and parched grouud of our 
small ambitions and narrow and selfish prejudices 

There is but the one ambition worthy of an American citi- 
zen ; and that, Mr. Speaker, is to be a loyal soldier in the army 
of truth. \Yhere truth is God is. To be in the company and 
in the service of truth is to be in the company and in the serv- 
ice of the Everlasting! 

The absolute is beyond our reach — beyond our comprehen- 
sion. Contradictions are much in company. In each of our 
lives, as we know, are battlefields upon which the opposing 



Life and Character of John R. Gamble. '^'i 

forces of our uatiire go ofteu to conte.st, where they make 
truce, and where they camp. If truth shall have most of vic- 
tory finally; if final surrender to other leadership shall never 
have been ; if in the night of death love comes in benediction — 
blessed be God, our Father ! 

It is well, Mr. Speaker, that we who are here in this House 
come at times and look into tliat common grave where we all 
soon must sleep. There is pain in it, but there is exaltation in 
it, and in that exaltation we rise above the petty discords of 
tlie working day, out of tbe partisan bickerings of narrow liv- 
ing, and turn our eyes upward from tlie gloom of the narrow 
home into the glory of the home of peace and of perfect and 
eternal liberty. Aye, Mr. Speaker, disarmed of all enmity, 
listening to the music faintly floating in upon our weary souls 
from the far-off morning stars, we catch a shadowy picture of 
the perfect union where love reigns, where foul suspicion comes 
not, where truth has no rival, where the understanding is un- 
clouded, where death is not and life is — lif(^ in its fullness, in 
its richness, in its sweetness evermore. 

Are we the representatives of the American people? May 
we flatter ourselves that out of the sloughs of political life we 
have been brought here as types of a xieople unrivaled on the 
earth in power of self-government ? Then let us remember 
how short the day is, and how the life that is and the truth 
that is horn or given wings in the hour make in feebleness or 
in strength an eternal flight. 

The sun that disappears at evening in a bank of clouds or 
in the glory of a golden skj' will return again and again as the 
wonderful flight of the earth goes on. Error may live long, 
but obliteration will overtake it finally. Truth alone is boru 
to immortality. The life that is of true nobility is the life of 
service; not service of self, not a life of scheming for personal 
gain through false pretense. The life that is of true nobility 
H. Mis. S3 3 



34 Address of Air. Johnson^ of North Dakota., on the 

is the life of honest service of one's people. Thus is one in 
humility exalted. Thus is one who easts himself down 
lifted u]>. 

We honor our dead always for what they did for others; we 
cast away the follies, we put the weaknesses under our feet, 
and we bring forth the tried s'ol"^ of flit* ultimate character, 
and before it our souls bow, for in it we see eternal life, the 
kin of our better lives, the hope immortal, the indwelling 
God! In the tender testimonies we offer to our dead we give 
testimonies to those ambitious, to that loyalty of service, to 
those ideals of citizenship which ought, in the fullness of our 
strength, to control every action and i^urpose here. 

It is not so much, Mr. Speaker, that we shall have reward 
at the hands of our fellows, or vindication from them; but 
that in the clear light of our personal insight into the secrets 
of our own lives we may have justification unto ourselves — 
the unspotted and kingly, aye. Godly crown of our own con- 
sciences. 

John R. Gamble died a young man. He was on the 
threshold of larger opportunities. But out of the tanglewood 
of his life, through the hard struggles with poverty, out of the 
contentions of the yearfe, the immortelles of his sturdy charac- 
ter and work marks the place where he sleeps and will keep 
green in the memory of the Dakotas his name. 



ADDRESS OF MR. JOHNSON, OF NORTH DAKOTA. 

Mr. Speakek: John K. Gamble was born in Genesee 
County, State of New York, on the 15th of January, 1848. He 
inherited neither rank nor wealth, but what was more signifi- 
cant and more to his advantage as a candidate for recognition 
as one of nature's noblemen in the equal contest of American 



Life and Character ofjolm R. Gamble. 35 

citizeuship, he inherited a mens sana in corpore sano and all 
the natural instincts and traditions of a patriotic, a virtuous, 
and a pious race, his ancestry being Scotch-Irish, his mother 
a third cousin of Andrew Jackson. 

At the age of 14 he removed with liis parents to the State 
of Wisconsin, and at the age of 25 he again followed the star 
of empire in its westward march to the Territory of Dakota. 

We ask especially the participation and sympathy of the 
members froui New York and Wisconsin while we pay these 
last tributes of attection and respect to the memory of our 
honored dead. 

His nativity and golden days of happy childhood for four- 
teen years belong to the great Emi)ire State of New York. 

His youth and education for eleven years, 'devoted to the 
development of intellectual and moral jiower and crowded 
with achievement and promise at school and in college, belong 
to our noble sister State of Wisconsin. His manhood years 
and earnest life work for eighteen years as a frontiersman, a cit- 
izen, a jurist, and a statesman, crowned witli all the honors and 
emoluments that a brave and grateful people could lay at his 
feet, belong to the Dakotas. His fame, his example, his con- 
duct, so well calculated to inspire the youth of this land with 
hope and courage, with a lofty and a noble ambition, belong 
not merely to the keeping of the records of this House, but 
have become a jiart of the true wealth of the whole Republic, 
while the great, manly soul of John K. Gamble belongs 
in the eternal years of God to the omnipotent power which 
made it. 

As boy or man, at work or play, at home or in school, he 
was always a natural leader. Reared in a large ftimily, where 
there were no drones, and where necessity as well as principle 
required each member of the family to contribute a share m 
earning the daily bread for the common support of the house- 



36 Address of Air. Jo/nisoii, of Ahn-tli Dakota, on lite 

hold, he was ever a dutiful sou and au aftectiouate brother. 
He nuist be esteemed fortunate that his early life knew neither 
the hopelessness of extreme poverty nor the lassitude of in- 
herited wealth, which, by eliminating the immediate and 
apparent necessity for work, destroys the incentives to per- 
sonal efibrt and a. just appreciation of the true dignity of labor. 
His was the golden mean — answer to the pious application, 
"(live me neither poverty nor riehes." He was an omnivor- 
ous reader, a thorougli student, and a delightful companion. 
His preparation for college was broad and ample. His mind 
had already traversed a wide range of the best English liter- 
ature. He was proficient in mathematics and an enthusiast in 
the exact sciences. His memory was phenomenal. He pur- 
sued history with a zest that few give to fiction. 

When, in 18G8, he entered Lawrence University, at Apple- 
ton, Wis., he brought to his task not only good health and 
splendid courage, but a mind accustomed to the delights of 
good literature, trained to mathematical accuracy and scien- 
titic exactness, and garnished with the cameos of history in 
ancient and modern times. Thus well equipped for his task, 
altliDUgh liami)ered with frequent absence to teach school and 
do utlier work to defray the expenses of his education, he easily 
maintained his supremacy in the class throughout the course 
and graduated from the classical department in 1872 with- 
the highest honors as valedictorian of Ids class. 

For the practical purposes of settlement Dakota was dis- 
covered about that time. Although purchased for the United 
States by Thomas Jefferson, from Napoleon Bonaparte, as a 
part of Louisiana, as early as 1803, yet the Territory of Da- 
kota, with the exception of a little triangle in its northeast- 
ern corner and the narrow strip of shore line that could be 
seen from the hurricane decks of the steamers passing up and 
down her great rivers, was at that time as much a terra incog- 



Life and Character of John R. Gamble. 37 

nita as ure to-day the forests of Africa between the liead- 
waters of the Couj;o and the sources of the ]S^ile. 

The antelope, tlie elk, and the buffalo then ranged their 
limitless and immemorial pastures where now the iieaceful 
domestic herds are grazing on the homestead and the ranch. 

The battles of the Rose Bud and the Little Big Horn were 
then several years in the future and never dreamed of as pos- 
sible. 

"Xo. 1 hard" wheat had never yet been heard of in the 
busy marts of commerce, and the only harbinger of its com- 
ing that had ever been wafted within the coniines of civiliza- 
tion was the diffused haze of sinoke from the annual prairie 
fires consuming the perennial growth of natural meadows, 
which softened the scenery and mellowed the light in the 
Mississippi Valley in the beautiful autumnal days of Indian 
summer. 

Foremost among the lirave, strong, and well-equipped 
young pioneers who then went ui) to possess this goodly land 
was John E. Gamble. 

Having been admitted to the bar, he settled at Yankton iu 
1873, and was eminently successful from the very start. He 
soon built up a large and valuable practice extending all over 
the Territory and into many of the adjoining <'ounties in the 
. State of ZSTebraska. He was a man of wonderful energy and un- 
tiring industry. He was always loyal to his clients as well as 
to the court. He succeeded eminently at the bar, and enjoyed 
the admiration of his associates, the respect of the court, and 
the support of a large clientage. He never knowingly advo- 
cated the wrong, and never, for any reason personal to himself, 
neglected the cause of the defenseless or the poor. 

He was a man of earnest convictions and from early life 
always took a deep and active interest in politics. The princi- 
ples and policy of the Republican party early met the approval 



38 Address of Mr. Johnson^ of North Dakota, on the 

of his judgment, aud to that party he remained firmly loyal 
and devoted to the last. 

He was unreservedly trusted and greatly honored by his 
party and his State. He loved the profession which he adorned 
with his learning and with an integrity of character that was 
never drawn in question. He preferred the uninterrupted 
pursuit of his calling, but always left his time, his means, and 
his judgment at the service of the public whenever his city, 
his county, his party, or the State required him to respond 
to the call of duty. 

He served with honor as district attorney of Yankton 
County, as United States attorney for the Territory, in both 
branches of the Territorial legislature, as a member of the 
Sioux Falls constitutional convention of 1883, and was elected 
to the Fifty-second Congress from the State at large. 

In the sharp controversies which preceded division and state- 
hood he was always for division and always loyal to the in- 
terest of South Dakota, but his warfare was ever of that brave 
and honorable sort which never failed to command the admira- 
tion and respect of us, his rivals and '-ompetitors, who some- 
times necessarily represented conflicting interests, simply 
because we happened to reside north of the forty-sixth parallel 
of latitude. 

In 1875 he joined the Congregational Church of Yankton. 
During all the subsequent years of a busy life in his great 
career as a lawyer and statesman he remained an unostenta- 
tious but faithful and consistent member of that church. 

As an unobtrusive member of that church he exemplified in his 
life the graces of a true Christian character, abounding in good 
works and strong in the taith. From the altar of that chiu-ch 
Ids remains were borne to their last resting place in the bosom 
of Mother Earth*, on the banks of the longest river in the 
world, whose murmuring waters shall for all time sing- his re- 



Life and Character of Jolui R. Gamble. 39 

quiein as they roll on ceaselessly ia tbeii' stately onward march 
from the mouutaius to the sea. Our colleague died suddenly 
at his home in the prime of life, and after au illness of only a 
few hours. 

He fell, not like the decayed trunk of the leafless cedar before 
the wintry blast, but like the sti'ong oak upon the mountain 
top, shivered by the lightning, when its great boughs are 
clothed in the full leaves of summei'. 

Both by the tests of classic i)aganism and the requirements 
of Christianity our dead friend has achieved inunortality, both 
as an earthly feme and a heavenly crown. Well could he sing 
with the poet Enuius, old and fragmentary, when quoted by 
Virgil- 
Let uo one decorate me with tears 
Or celebrate my funeral (ibse(niies with weeping. 

Or with his favorite Horace he might sayc 

Here I have erected a mnuumeut 

More lasting than bronze 

And higher than the royal pyramids. 

While the blessed light of Ohristikn faith and promise 
shining through the darkness enables us to write on his tomb — 

"I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, 
though he were dead, yet shall he live. Blessed are the dead 
which die in the Lord. They shall rest from their hibors and 
their works shall follow them." 



40 Address of Mr. Lind, of Minnesota^ on the 



Address of Mr. Lind, of Minnesota, 

Mr. Speaker: In rising to pay tribute to the Hon. John 
Gamble, late a llepresentative-elect from a district adjoiiiiug 
my owu, tliougli in a neighboring State, I am unable, from a 
lack of personal intimacy with the departed,to go into those 
details of his everyday life and character wliich determine the 
place that a man shall occupy in the hearts and memory of his 
friends and associates. 

My limited acquaintance only afforded me opportunity to 
observe those salient points thatevenat first sight distinguished 
the individual from his fellows. 

I first met Mr. tr amble in coiu't, some ten years ago. I saw 
him engaged in the trial of a cause. His terse and vigorous 
method of presenting his case attracted my attention. I was 
struck with the spirit of self-reliance, discriminating power, 
and good judgment which characterized his every move and 
utterance. 

He impressed me as a typical Western man; self-made, 
physically and mentally strong, fearless, and self-reliant. 
Personal intercourse verified my first impressions. 

I found tluit he possessed all these traits and none of the 
prejudices which so often mar the mental vision of men who 
have grown uj) under different conditions. 

Young, ^^gorol^s, and ambitious, it was but natural that he 
should play a strong part in the embryo Commonwealth of 
which he was a member. He helped launch the ship of state. 
He helped guide it in its formative — the most important — 
period. He soon received its highest confidence by the election 
to a'scat in this Plouse. 

To our shortsighted judgment death stepped in as a robber. 



Life and Character of John R. Gamble. 41 

depriving him of a wellearueil reward, the State of an able 
servant, and us of a genial colleague. 

If faith and hope presented uo promise to the human heart 
of another sphere of existence and activity, death under tliese 
circumstauces would not only make life a vanity, but it would 
stamp existence as a crime. 

To those of us who enjoy that abiding confidence that our 
going as well as our coming are in the hands of a kind Provi- 
ilence, whose decrees are the dictates of justice and love, 
there comes a feeling of submission even in the presence of 
death, for we know that His will is done. 



ADDRESS OF Mr. Bryan, of Nebraska. 

It was not my good fortune, Mr. Speaker, to be personally 
aci|uainted with the deceased; but living just across the line 
in a neighboring State, his fame had reached us, and we shared 
iu the sorrow which the members of this House felt when the 
news flashed along the wires that he was dead. 

In his early life lie represented the truest type of American 
manliood. His boyhood days were spent upon the farm, and 
there, in communion with nature, he supplied himself with, 
perhaps, the best preparation that any man can bring to the 
duties of this life; and wUen he emerged from that farm he 
came strengtliened by the associations of such a life, and free 
from those vices which elsewhere often dwarf the boy ere he 
realizes the dangers before him. He sought an education; he 
had that yearning for knowledge which indicates in its posses- 
sor the ability to use an education after it is obtained. 

He was a self-made man, and proved, as multitudes before 
him liave proved, that any person who desires an education in 
this country can obtain it. Lack of ettbrt and lack of ambi- 



42 Address of Mr. Bryan, of Nebraska, on the 

tiou are the ouly obstacles in the young man's way. He had, 
therefore, furnished an exaiupk^ which will be a benefit to 
every rising generation. After the struggle wliich was neces- 
sary to obtain an education he might have been discouraged: 
but the obstacles which he overcame simply excited a desire 
to encounter greater obstacles, and at the conclusion of his 
education he entered upon that arduous profession, the law, 
in which his greatest achievements were attained — a profes- 
sion in which the successful advocate finds his greatest ad- 
vantage and his greatest protection in the long, the weary, 
and often thorny way that separates the lawyer beginning 
from the lawyer independent. 

That he was an able lawyer the reports of liis own State 
and of the Fedei'al courts furnish abundant testimony. But 
he was more than an able lawyer. He was an earnest and an 
industrious lawyer. He carried into his profession that 
energy and perseverance which characterized his earlier days^. 
More than this, beyond being able and industrious, he was an 
honest lawyer. There is an impression among some that 
honesty is not an aid to success at the bar. I am glad that 
by his life our deceased friend had given the lie to this 
assumption, which has so little support in actual exxierience 
at the bar. It is one of the great truths of \N;hich we may all 
be glad that the paths of duty in this world run parallel. A 
man can be a good citizen, a good father, a good husband, a 
good cluirch member, a good politician, a good lawyer, and 
not find his duties contlicting. He can serve in all these 
capacities, and serve well in each. 

Mr. Gamble went to Dakota as a pioneer. Those who are 
surrounded by the comforts anil conveniences of older com- 
munities scarcely realize the undertaking which is before one 
who turns his back upon these advantages and seeks his for- 
tune in a new country. Yet it is such men as John R. Gam- 



Life and Character of John R. Gamble. 43 

BLE who liavc made our great West and Xorthwest wJiit 
they are today. Tliey have gone from their earlier hoiiie> , 
carrying with them their educatiou, their integrity, their 
industry, their perseverance, and have converted that country 
from a wilderness into a garden. They have built up cities 
and towns, schoolhouses and churches. They have given to 
'these sections greatness, wealth, and influence. 

It is not strange that one who had the experience and abili- 
ties of Mr. Gamble should have been called upon for public 
service. It is one of the glories of this country that the people 
are able to select those who pi'ove themselves worthy of confi- 
dence, and are compelled to rely for guidance aud for govern- 
ment upon those boru to rule. It is not strange, therefore, I 
say, that such a man as Mr. Gamble should have been se- 
lected by his people for various positions of honor and of trust; 
and it can be said to his credit that in all of these capacities he 
proved himself worthy of every confidence reposed. It is a loss 
to this House that a man as wcli equipped as he was, as well 
prepared for the arduous duties of public life, should have 
fallen in the st4'ength of early manhood and at the very com- 
mencement of his Congressional career. We need such public 
men. We need men of his approved integrity, of his high char- 
acter. We need men who take for their motto, as he did — 

To thine own self be true, 
Aud it must follow, as the night the day, 
Thou eans^ not theu be false to any man. 

They are a blessing to the country, they are a service to all, 
and I come to-day as one who, by investigation, was led to a 
difierent political faith from that held by the deceased, to 
moixrn with his friends and political associates that one like 
him should be takeu from us, and that we should be denied his 
his aid and companionship. 

His death was sudden. It came in a way that reminds us 



44 Address of Mr. Jo/ley., of South Dakota., on the 

that, however strong we may be, liowever full of health and 
hope, however surrounded with all the things that indicate a 
long and useful life, death is ever present in our midst, and 
that none of us are able to tell the day or the hour when we 
may be called upon to render an account of our stewardship. 

While we mourn the departure of a man elected to this 
House, the greatest burden of grief nntst fall upon that home 
which he honored and blessed by Ins presence; and while we 
regret the loss of a public servant, we mourn with her, his 
widow, and with the children whom he has left. He has be- 
queathed to them a spotless name, an estate greater than 
wealth can purchase. The grief-stricken companion of his 
home can remember a husband who won no less her respect 
than her love. And while the children are at an age when ill 
able to lose a father, they have the proud consolation of know- 
ing that they have lost a father whose life is an example, and 
whose industry, whose perseverance, and whose character 
should be to them an inspiration. 



Address oe Mr. Jolley, of South Dakota. 

Mr. Speaker: South Dakota for the first time mourns for 
the death of a public oflicer. In the meridian of his life, 
crowned with the confidence of the people of his State, sent 
by the electors of the young State of South Dakota as their 
Eepresentative at the national capital, on the threshold of a 
life that would have been useful and honored, John R. Gaji- 
13LE died. ^Yithout any warding, in seeming perfect health 
to all human appearances, with years of health and prosperity 
before him, his young life was suddenly ended, and his wife, 
his family, and his friends were compelled to sever the tie that 
bound them to a kind and fiiithful husband, to a fond and in- 



Life and Character of John R. Gamble. 45 

diligent father, to a tiim ami true friend, and to an able, ener- 
getic, and trusted public servant. 

Young in years but old in experience, lie ^yas a true repre- 
sentative of tbe energy, perseverance, and courage of our 
Western civilization. He knew thoroughly all the wants and 
needs of the people ot his adoi)ted State as few men did, and 
his natural endowments, as well as his cultivated acquire- 
ments, qualified him as few men are equipped to supply every 
want that the people who chose him as their Representative 
recpiired and to procure for his State all that it needed. No 
difficulty delayed him in attaining an object he set out for. 
and no obstruction that energy, perseverance, and study could 
o\'ercome barred him from the end he sought to attain. 

Thoroughly honest, always fair, firm as a rock, a riptj 
scholar, a diligent student, gentle and fund to a friend and 
open and defiant to a foe, such was the man we mourn, and 
such was he who won the confidence, love, and support of the 
people of the State who sent him here as their honored Repre- 
sentati\'e. 

John R. Gamble was born in the State of New York on 
January 1,5, 184S, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. He moved with 
his parents in 1802 to the State of Wisconsin. Until 18G7 he 
worked on his father's farm, a hard worker and an earnest 
student. In 1872 he graduated from Lawrence University, at 
Appleton, Wis., first in his class. After graduating he studied 
law, and in September, 187.3, he settled in the city of Yankton, 
in the Territory of Dakota, where he lived until he died, oii 
August 14, 1891. 

From the time he located in the then sparsely settled Ter- 
ritory until his death he was prominent in every public move- 
ment and in every public enterprise. As a lawyer he moved 
from obscurity to the front rank with a swiftness that seemed 
marvelous. For years he was acknowledged as one of the 



46 Address of Mr. JoUcy\ of South Dakota .^ on the 

leaders of the bar of the Territory and later of the State. And 
he deserved and maintained his place there. It was never 
given him as a favor; he attained it as a right. 

Few. cases in onr Territorial and State courts of importance 
were tried that John K. Gamble was not an attorney on one 
side. When his services were secured, he served his client 
with all the ardor of an honest man. In his jirofessional life 
he was serving a master who demanded an undivided loyalty, 
and he served that master well. He was loyal to his clients, 
he was loyal to the judges, and he was loyal to his profession. 
In a large practice of eighteen years not one word of criticism 
was ever heard against him. He studied his cases ^ith an 
energy that never weakened, with an honesty that never was 
questioned, and with a zeal that few equaled. The records of 
the courts of the Territory of Dakota and of the State of South 
Dakota show the labors of his professional life. It is a grand 
record; one that his friends may well be proud of, and one 
that shall ever serve as a beacon light to those who shall 
follow him in his chosen calling. 

To one who has often met him in the courts as an assistant 
or as an opponent the memory comes and shall always live of 
an able lawyer, an eloquent advocate, and a thoroughly honest 
and honorable gentleman. In every meeting of the bar held in 
our State, so long as the members of the old Territorial bar 
live, some story of John K. Gamble's kindness will be related 
and some eye will be dimmed with tears because of his death. 
We could have parted with him if he had lived his allotted 
time, but to have him taken from us in the prime of his man- 
hood we can not yet submit without a murmur. The public 
will remember him as an able, brilliant, and learned lawyer; 
the members of the bar will cheerfully yield to him all that, 
but to them he was more, he was always a kind friend and 
brother. 



Life and Character of John R. Gamble. 47 

A man with the abilities of John R. Gamble could not re- 
main in private life, mncli as be desired to. In a new country, 
such as Dakota was in Territorial days, public questions were 
more generally discussed than in an older country. The peo- 
ple are independent in the expression of their opinions en all 
political measures, and are always well informed on every mat- 
ter that affects their interests. They are thoroughly self-reli- 
ant, and their judgment of men and measures is based on real 
merit. For shams and demagogues they have no use in their 
active and stirring life. They are full of charity for honest 
mistakes; for deceit and dishonesty in a public officer they 
have little charity and no forgiveness. All the characteristics 
possessed by .John R. Gamble ((ualifled him for a leader of 
the pioneers in his Western home. 

Soon after settling in the city of Yankton he was elected 
district attorney by his party friends. Before his term ended 
criminals knew that a man who never feared to prosecute all 
violations of the law with strictness, ability, and energy would 
manage all criminal cases on the xjart of the Territf>ry. At the 
commencement of his term an unknown boy, at the end of the 
term of his office his name was known throughout the Terri- 
tory. In 1878 he was elected a member of the Territorial house 
of representatives. During the session all the laws passed by 
the legislature bear the impress of his mind. His abilities 
forced him to the front, and from that time until his death he 
was recognized by all as a leader of his party. Twice after- 
wards he served as a member of the Territorial council, and 
each time he added to his well-earned reputation as an able 
legislator. 

In all new countries a ci-isis comes. Dakota Territory was 
no exception to the rule. No one knows, except those who 
have passed through the ordeal, the humiliations the people of 
a Territory suffer under a Territorial form of government. 



48 Address o/Mr./oUcy, of South Dakota, on the 

Territorial officers are sent out to goveru tbe people who bold 
their office by appointment from the national Executive and 
not by the choice of the people of the Territory. The people of 
Dakota Territory had that kind of government for nearly thirty 
years. The old pioneers hoped and longed for the time to come 
wlu'u they could have the same rights and privileges as their 
brothers who lived in States. Many died before that happy 
day came. So long was the day of their political deliverance 
postponed that many restless men declared their right to estab- 
lish a State government before Congress granted that power. 
Constitutional conventions were held in the Territory, and 
although the constitutio7is submitted to a vote ofthepeei)le 
declared that the organic law would not be in force and effect 
until sanctioned by legal airthority, many declated the jjcople 
of the Territory, tbe source of all power, had the right and 
authority to establish a State government before Congress 
passed au enabling act. Tlie contest was long, exciting, and 
hot. For years tbe contest waged. The demand for a divi- 
sion of the Territory and formation of two States was almost 
unanimous. The division among the people was: Whether to 
form a State government before the national authority granted 
the power, or to wait until Congress passed a law tliTOling the 
Territory and authorized the people to adopt a constitution and 
form a State governnu'ut. During the long and fierce strug- 
gle the voice and influence of John E. Gamble was to wait 
until all legal requirements were fully complied with. Fortu- 
nately for the pcojtlc of the State of South Dakota, the advice 
of John E. Gamble and others acting with bim prevailed. 
The change we all so anxiously hoped for came. The Territo- 
rial form of government was a thing of the past. South Dakota 
after a long struggle was admitted as a State into the I'nion. 
To tbe wise counsel and valiant eftbrts of John E. Gamble 
and others associated with him have the peojile to thank for 
their prudent conduct dujing that exciting period. 



Life and Character of John R. Gamble. 49 

There is no spot to mar the ftiir tame of the people of the 
State of South Dakota. It seems almost a mockery to kno^r, 
that he who did so much, ^vh.. labored so earnestly, and who 
devoted so much time to have South Dakota admitted as a 
State, died so soon after the star of that State was placed on 
our national flag. 

In the State convention of his party, held just prior to the 
admission of our State, his name was presented for the position 
of member of Congress. It was not successftil. He neither 
sulked'nor hesitated. His time and talents were given to tlie 
party of his choice. In 1S90 the eflorts of his triends were 
successful, and in the election of that year John E. Gamble 
was elected as one of the Eepresentatives from the State of 
South Dakota. To say that he was not proud of the confidence 
reposed in him would be to say he was not human. His selec- 
tion was not an accident. He deserved it and it was a just 
reward for hard work, earnest efforts, and faithful services 
rendered by him to the people of his State. He would have 
fumiled the duties of his office in such a manner as would have 
been creditable to himself and wouhl have honored the State 
he represented. 

His future to the human eye seemed all that his friends 
could ask and he desire. It was decreed that they would not 
be fulfilled. He never took his seat in the national Congress 
With a suddenness that was startling his death came. He 
died as he w.mld wish to die. Seeking the rest he so much 
needed, his last day on earth was passed in riding with his 
family on the prairies near his home. In the evening he be- 
came ill; th-e family physician was called. I^othing serious 
was thought of. After midnight a change came that was un- 
looked for, a change that baffled the skill <,f the physicians 
On the morning of August 14, 1891, as the sun touched the 
prauies of his Western home, surrounded by his wife, his three 
H. Mis. 83 4 



oO Address of A/r. Jo/hy, of South Dakota. 

cbiklreu, and a few devoted friends, John E. Gamble died. 
His death was a shock to the people of onr State. 

This was the life of my friend, the representative of onr 
yonng State, the kind husband, the fond father, the faitlifiil 
friend, the able lawyer, the brilliant legislator, and our hon- 
ored citizen. 

John E. Gamble's life was a useful life. The records of 
his works and services will never die. The history of our 
State can never be written without his name embellishing its 
pages. By his wife his memory will always be cherished ; to 
his children his well-spent life will ever be an example and a 
guide; to his friends his kind words and deeds will make their 
lives better, and the people of our State will never forget his 
faithful services. 

The Speaker i)rn tempore (Mr. Hooker, of Mississippi, in 
the chair). The question is on the adoption of the resolutions 
offered by the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Pickler). 

The resolutions were unanimously agreed to. 

The Speaker jn-o tempore. In accordance with the last 
resolution, I declare the house adjourned until Mond;iy next 
at 12 o'clock m. 



PROCEEDIXCS IN THE SENATE. 



January 0, 189l'. 
The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the follow- 
ing resolutions from the House of Representatives; which 
were read : 

January 5, 1892. 

Resolved, That the House has ht-aril with jnofouiul sorrow of the death 
of Hon. Joiix II. Gamble, hite :i Representative from the .State of .Smith 
Dakota. 

Resolved. That the Clerk )»■ directed to commnnicate a cojiy of these 
resolutions to the Senate. 

Resolved, That as a mark of respect to his memory tin; House do now 
adjourn. 

Mr. Pettigrew. Mr. President, I offer the resolutions 
which I send to the desk. 
The resolutions wore read, as follows: 

Resolved, That the Senate lias heard with deep sensibility the announce- 
ment of the deatli of Hon. J<inN R. Gamble, late a Representative from 
the State of South Dakota. 

Rvsolvvd, That as a mark of respect to his memory the Senate do :;ow 
adjourn. 

The Presiding Officer. The question is on agreeing to 
the resolutions. 

The resolutions were agreed to unanimously ; and (at 4 o'clock 
and 17 minutes p. m.) the Senate adjourned until to-morrow, 
Thursday, January 7, 18!)2, at 12 o'clock meridian. 

51 



EU LOGI ES 



l-EBBUARY 4, 1893. 

Mr. Pettigeew, of Soutli Dakota. I ask that the resolutious 
of the House of Eepresentatives in respect to the death of my 
hite colleague, Hon. John R. Gamble, he now laid befoie tin- 
Senate. 

The Presiding Officer. The Chair lays before the Senate 
the resolutions of the House of Representatives; which will 
be read. 

The Secretary read as follows: 

Ix THE House ov Representatives, 

iliivch 12, 1S02. 

liesolrcd. That the Imshii'Ss ot' thi' House be iiiiw suspended that an op- 
portunity be given lor tributes to the memory of Hon. John R. Gamble, 
late a Representative at large from the State of South Dakota. 

Jfesolved, That the Clerk be directed to communicate a cojjv of these 
resolutions to the Senat<'. 

liewlved. That, as a further mark of respect to the memory of the de- 
ceased and his public services, the House, at the conclnsion of tliese 
memorial ])roceeding8, shall stand adjourned. 

Mr. Pettigrew. 1 ofl'er the resolutions which 1 send to the 
desk. 
The Presiding Officer. The resolutions will be read. 
The Secretary read as follows: 

li'isiilrifl, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the announce- 
ment of the death of the Hon. JoiiN R. G.vmblk, late a Representative 
from the State of South Dakota. 

Resolved, That the bvisiuess of the Senate be now suspended, in order 
that fitting tribute may lie paid to his memory. 

liemlred, That a copy of these resolutious be transmitted by the Secre- 
tary of the Senate to the family of the deceased. 
.-)2 



Life and Character oj John R. Gamble. 53 



Address of Mr. Pettigrew, of South Dakota. 

Mr. President : For tlie first time since 1 entered the Sen- 
ate I am called upon to mourn the los.s of a colleague and to 
review in the presence of the Senate the ended life of a mem 
ber of the House of liepresentatives from my State. 

-ToHN R. Gamble, late a Representative at large from the 
State of South Dakota in the House of Repre.sentatives, de- 
jjorted this life on the 14th day of August, 1891, at his home 
at Yankton, in the State he had done so much to create and 
loved so well. The news of his death was a great shock to the 
people of my State, for it was entirely unexpected, as Mr. 
Gamble was apparently in the full vigor of manhood and but 
43 years of age. 

He was no stranger to me. During the eighteen years of 
his residence in Dakota we were partisan friends, acting to- 
gether to accomplish the same objects, associated together in 
the legislatures, conventions, and other public assemblies of 
the Territory and State. I had learned to love him for his kind 
and generous heart, and to respect him for his clear and able 
mind. The story of his life can be told only of an American 
boy; here alone in this country are the opportunities oifered 
for such a career. 

Mr. Gamble was born in the township of Alabama, Genesee 
County, State of New York, on the 15th day of January, 1848. 
He was of ScotcK-Irish ancestry, his mother being a second 
cousin of Andrew J ackson. His earl j' years were spent upon 
the farm, and engaged in the ordinary occupations of a farmer's 
son. 

In 1862 he removed with his parents to Fox Lake, Dodge 
County, Wis., where his people have since resided. 



54 Address of Mr. Pcl/igrezv, of South Dakola, on the 

From liis early life lie was a constant attendant at the dis- 
trict schools of bis neighborhood and was always a student of 
the highest rank in his classes, and a young man of the most 
careful and scrupulous deportment in his conduct. He was 
enthusiastic and energetic, not only in his work at school and 
in his general pursuits of reading, but also as au active and 
capable help at home upon the farm. 

At an early age he formed an ambition to acquire a thorough 
college education. To this end he devoted all his energies, 
and his spare hours while on the farm were given to study 
and research. He soon mastered all the studies pursued in 
the ordinary country school and then devoted himself to self- 
instruction, so that at an early age he was suflficieutly capable 
to devote part of his time to teaching and thereby secure 
money with which to enter college and pursue his course 
while there. 

He entered Lawrence University at Appleton, Wis., in 18G7; 
took a full classical course, and graduated with the highest 
honors of his class in 1871.'. While at college he displayed the 
same energy and enthusiasm as a student that he had during 
his earlier years, and was regarded when he left the institution 
as one of their most promising and capable graduates. He 
took high rank in all departments, and while there took great 
interest in the literary work of the college. Though never 
elo([uent, he was a clear, forcible, and convincing speaker. 

Long before leaving college Mr. Gamble had chosen the 
law as a profession, and this had indaced him to take especial 
pains in the work of the literary societies of the institution. 
After his graduation he studied law at Fox Lake, Wis., and 
was adniitted to the bar in August, 1873. At this time he was 
indebted to his brother James for part of the moneys used in 
going through college, and after his admission to practice 
additional funds were loaned to him ])y his brother with which 
to purchase a law library. 



Life and CJiaracter of JoJni R. Gamble. 55 

In September of the same year he located at Yauktoii, S. 
Dak., aud coiuineuced the practice of the law at that place. He 
at once, by his energy and industry, built up a veiy lucrative 
business, so that he was enabled to pay off all his existing- lia- 
bilities on account of his education. 

Ml'. Gamble had all the elements of a successful lawyer. 
He was thorough and painstaking in a remarkable degree in 
the preparation of his cases for trial. He had wouderfnlly 
clear perceptions of the law, and as to the essential features 
of each particular case, and to the application of the facts to 
the law in (juestion, always loyal to his client. He was 
thoroughly devoted to the work of the profession. He was 
pei'sistent and heroic in his encounters at the bar, aud it was 
seldom that he failed in sustaining the case of his client. He 
had a high appreciation of the obligations of an attorney and 
of his fidelity to the court. 

In all my acquaintance with him I never knew him to do a 
mean or dishonorable thing in his practice, although it may 
have been of temporary advantage to him. This was true also 
in his business and political life. 

He was elected district attorney for Yankton County in 
1874. 

He acted as United States attorney for some months in 
1877 and 1878, and was elected to represent his city in the 
Territorial house of representatives in 1877, 1878, and 187!), and 
was three times elected to represent his county in the Ter- 
ritorial council. 

Mr. Gamble was a member of the constitutional conven- 
tion for South Dakota in 1883, and acted as chairman of the 
committee on legislation. The constitution adopted by this 
convention was practically the constitution with which South 
Dakota was admitted into the Union in 1880. During his en- 
tire public and private life, in every position, whether a prose- 



50 ^Address of Mr. Pcttigrezt\ of South Dakota^ on the 

cuting officer, a delegate to a partisan convention, a nieniber 
of tlie legislature, or as a delegate preparing the constitution 
of a State, no blot or stain can be found upon liis record. 
Every page of his life, every act of his hand, will bear the 
light of a midday sun. His thought and character is stamped 
ni)ou the history of Dakota, and its expression is in the char- 
acter of licr people and institutions. 

The life of apolitical organization, of man in the aggregate, 
is after all but the repetition of the life of individual men that 
compose the State or nation; and I am sure it is not too mudi 
to say that the character of the people and the institutions of 
South Dakota are not the same as they would have been if he 
liad lived elsewhere. Fearless, honest, persistent, and capa- 
ble, this strong man was a leader in the best sense of the 
word, and he has left an impression on the people of South 
Dakota that will endure longer than any monument of stone. 

Xo higher ambition can prompt an American boy than to 
take part in laying the foundation of an American State, in 
helping to create a mighty commonwealth that is to einUire as 
long as this great nation stands among the nations of the 
earth. It was this thought that took this young man, fresh 
from school and full of honest purposes and high aims, to the 
prairies of Dakota, there to battle with the wilderness, to 
build a home, to help shape the institutions of a sovereign 
people, and to make a place in tlie world that shall endure. 

Mr. Gamble had influenced his surroundings, but those 
surroundings had made themselves felt iu molding his char- 
acter. He had become active, restless, keen-witted, earnest, 
self-contained — a splendid representative of that vast thi'ong 
that, climbing the Alleghenies, have in so short a time crossed 
this continent and reached the Pacific Ocean, planting great 
States in their path with all that implies the highest civiliza- 
tion embodied in their institutions. 



Life and Character of John R. Cainble. 57 

The work of creating new States is nearly completed, but 
the growth of that vast empire west of the Mississippi River 
has but just commeuced, coutaining as it does tive-seveuths of 
the area of the Uwited States, excluding Alaska, with natural 
resources equaling, yes, surpassing, the same number of 
square miles of any other portion of the earth. 

The time nuist soon come when the ])eople of these States, 
of whi(th this man was a representative, will dominate and 
control this Government. New issues will arise that must 
modify our national policy, in fact mold it to its purpose, and 
I feel safe in saying that as this influence increases by the in- 
creased number of the representatives of this civilization iu 
Congress, we will grow broader, and greater, and grander as a 
people and a nation. 

It was through the efforts of Mr. (tAMBLE and those who 
acted with him that two States instead of one were added to 
the Union. The contest for a division of the Territory of Da- 
kota and the admission of two States was a long and bitter 
one and delayed the creation of those States for several years; 
but in this contest he never wavered, because he felt sure it 
was for the best interests of the great Northwest that there 
should be two States acting together in the future with the 
increased power in this body thereby secured. Who can meas- 
ure the consequences of this result; consequences that mxust 
extend through all time and grow more important as these 
States grow in population and iu wealth? 

Mr. Gamble married Fannie Davis on September 22, 1875, 
and leaves a widow and three children. He was a true hus- 
band and a kind and affectionate father, and his home was a 
happy one, and while he will be mourned and missed and his 
loss keenly felt by his State, it is upon his family, his devoted 
wife and children aiul surviving brothers and sistei'S, that the 
greatest blow has fallen. 



58 Address of Mr. Haiisbroiigh, of North Dakota., on the 

He believed lu a future life, and to them there is consolation 
in the thought that they can go to him if he can not return to 
them; and to ine, with all my doubts, there appear the words 
of Cato's soliloquy: ' 

Plaio, thou reasoDPSt wpII: 
Else whence this pleasing liope, tliis foml desire, 
This longing alter immortality i 
Or whence this secret dreail and inward horror 
Of falling into naught f Why shrinks the soul 
Back on itself, and startles at destruction? 
'Tis the divinity that stirs within us. 



ADDRESS OF MR. HANSBROUGH, OF NORTH DAKOTA. 

Mr. President: My acquaintance with the Hon. John E. 
Gamble, late a Representative from the State of South Dakota, 
dates back to the time of the Territorial days in Dakota, when 
we believed, as we still continue ro believe, that statehood 
was the greatest boon that could be conferred upon a people 
who were disfranchised by being obliged to live under a Ter- 
ritorial government; to the time when delegations from Dakota 
were making annual excursions to this city with a view to en- 
lightening the lawmakers as to the needs of that portion of 
the growing, the boundless, the unparalleled West, more 
recently embraced within the splendid sisterhood of States; 
when with us the only general contest at the ballot box was 
over the election of a single, voteless Delegate, who must 
represent half a million of people, scattered over 150,000 
square miles of territory; when our i)olitical conventions, no 
matter at what time they were held or however remote they 
might be from the geographical center of the Territory, were 
attended by complete delegations from every county, some 
traveling 4,000 miles, from the Black Hills region by way of 



Life and Clmractci- of John R. Gamble. 59 

Omaha aud St. Paid and returning by the same route, for the 
poor satisfaction of assisting- in nominating one of their own 
number wlio, if elected, would be nothing more than an errand 
boy without a vote, having the privileges of the House floor 
and the right to Inun midnight oil sending prosy documents 
and musty garden seeds, free of postage, to an eager and mux- 
ions constituency. 

John Gamble was always to be found at these conventions, 
not as a canidate for the one and only honor to be bestowed, 
but invariably in thejnterest of a friend, and likewise in oppo- 
sition to those whom he supposed to be his friend's enemies. 
He was a patriot always. Ilis motives were honorable and his 
purposes high. Nature had endowed him with a physi(iue 
that was all endurance and an unselfishness that was all de- 
votion. To those whom he loved he gave the full benefit of 
these superlative attributes. His friend's cause was his cause; 
to him liis country's glory was greater than any personal ad- 
vantage or reward. 

Burning, gnawing political ambition found no place of abid- 
ance in him. He was ambitious only in behalf of a great mul- 
titude of people who yearned to be absolved from a condition 
of political bondage. His aspirations were those of a true and 
loyal citizen, who entertaine<l no doubt of the ultimate tri- 
umph of the enlightened policy of home rule. He looked foi'- 
ward to the admission of the Territory as two States in earnest 
desire, not for place, not lor power, or personal preferment, 
but for justice to a people wlio were politically enthralled. 

He had been an eyewitness to the effects of the great evils 
which sometimes grow out of an abuse of the Territorial sys- 
tem of government. He had seen in full operation an applica- 
tion of the un-American plan of exercising power from a great 
distance over defenseless communities inhabited by those well 
equipped and well fitted to govern themselves, and his whole 
being was in revolt against it. 



60 Address of Mr. Hanshroitgh, of North Dakota, on the 

3Ir. Gamble was a iiiofdiiiid student. His mind was stored 
with tlie rich fruits of industrious researeh. In the law he oc- 
cupied 11 place ainong those in the first rank, and his oiiinious 
were current statutes with the people. To him the history of 
his country was an inspiration. He was an American in the 
truest sense. He loved the institutions of his native land and 
believed th.ft this must ultimately excel all other countries, 
commercially and otherwise. He was an ardent advocate of 
territorial extension. 

If he had been spared to his countrpneii his voice might 
now be heard in the halls of this Capitol proclaiming in behalf 
of new eonqirests for the benefit of the millions who are to 
come. From the sweat and blood of toil and suffering he be- 
held an empire rising to the view — that empire heralded by the 
good Bishop Berkeley as " time's noblest offspring." He be- 
lieved with De Tocqueville, who in 183.5 wrote these prophetic 
lines: 

"In the midst of the uncertainty of the future there is at 
least one event which is certain. At an epoch which we can 
call near, since it concerns the life of a people, the Anglo- 
Americans alone will cover all the immense territory comprised 
between the polar ice and the tropics; they will spread from 
the shores of the Atlantic Ocean even to the coasts of tlie 
Southern Sea. * * * There will then arriv^e a time when 
there will be seen in North America 150,000,000 of men, equal 
together, who will all belong to the same family, who will have 
the same point of departure, the same civilization, the same 
language, the^sarae religion, the same habits, the same man- 
ners, and over which thought will circulate in tlie same form, 
and paint itself in the same cohtrs. All else is doubtful, but 
this is certain. Here," coTitinues De Tocqueville, ''is a fact 
entirely new in the world, of which the imagination can hardly 
seize the extent." 



Life and Character of Joliii R. Gamble. 61 

Charles Sumner said that no Aiuerican could fail to be 
strengtheued in the future of the Republic by this testimony 
of De Tocqiieville. And we may say of onr dei)aited fi-iend 
that no citizen of tliis great Union can emulate his example 
in patriotism or exi)erience, the feelings of admiration and love 
that he exj)erienced toward his beloved country, without being 
a better and broader American in all respects. 

We of the new States have reached that ideal period which 
may be said to return the poetry of frontier life, and in com- 
parison with which the pioneer squatter's time was the period 
of prose. And we look back in dce]i sorrow upon the unfor- 
tunate circumstance which brings us here to-day to mourn the 
loss of cue who was so near the entrance upon a life of great 
usefulness when the cold hand of death was laid ujjon him. 
Truly hath the poet said that — 

No frail miin, however great or iiigli, 
Cau be concluded blest before he die. 



ADDRESS OF MR. DAVIS, OF MINNESOTA. 

Mr. President : I desire to add a few words of tribute in 
reference to John it. Gamble in addition to those which have 
been paid to him by the Senators who have preceded me. 

The mortuary records of the last few years have most feel- 
ingly persuaded us of the truth of the saying : " What shadows 
we are, and what shadows we pursue." 

Death has smitten with its withering hand those who stood 
most conspicuous in the imblic affections. That icy hand has 
smitten the Executive Mansion. It has stricken the Cabinet; 
it has taken the sword of the warrior and has broken it in twain. 
With firm and gentle hand he, the Angel of Death, has removed 
from the ])laces of the living the greatest. I think, of American 



62 Address of Mr. Dazis, of Mnincsota^ on the 

.statesmen of our times, and laid liiiii iu the tabernacle ofever- 
lastiug rest; he has visited the twoChauibersofCougress; he 
has thiuiied the ranks of this body; he has assailed those of 
the House of Representatives. 

Eepeated instances and ceremonies like those which we are 
now performing bring a sense of sadness to our hearts and of 
persuasion of the uncertainty of all earthly things to us. 

Jlr. GAiiBLE had not come within the si)here of public atten- 
tion which entitled him to rank with many of those who have 
been taken Irom us, and of whom I have spoken. He fell upon 
his way to this Capitol. He had no particular contact with 
Federal affairs. 

All that could be said of him in regard to his aspects was 
that he was a man of great possibilities and great capacity. I 
did not know him intimately, yet I had encountered him aud 
sometimes walked with him in the way of our professional life. 
He was a pleasant man, well adjusted, well poised, a self con- 
centered and ripe lawyer, acute and able in debate, fruitful in 
forensic resources, and true to his clients always. 

There is one thing, Mr. President, pertaining to the times in 
which we are living which I do not think is suiBciently ob- 
served, and yet which ought to be observed and put into con- 
temporary history so that future historians may use it, aud 
that is the manner m which within the last fifty years new 
States, especially those of the Xorthwest, have been sum- 
moned almost out of nothingness and sprang, perhaps in the 
course of a year or two years and sometimes a few months, 
fully equij^ped and panoi)lied, into the ranks of States. 

If not properly understood it would be a marvel to future 
historians how great and perfect Commonwealths have thus 
been formed. We whose fathers were pioneers in that country 
understand it well. There came into those regions in the times 
of the earliest settlement the choice and selected spirits of the 
East. They were young men. , 



Life and Character of John R. Gamble. 63 

For many years after the settlement of those Territories you 
could jjo into the largest audience and see few gray heads. 
They were aggressive men; their minds were full of sugges- 
tions; they were aspiring and ambitious men, seeking to lay 
hold of a future which might be full of honors for them. Most 
of them were students. They came from a laud of actual prac- 
tice, and yet they bore with them in their minds theories of 
government and institutions which they sought to put into 
operation. 

The consequence was, as I have said, that Wisconsin, Iowa, 
Kansas, Minnesota, and the two Dakotas sprang rabidly into 
political being, with a completeness of organization, sometimes 
i 1 advance of the perfection of organization over the old com- 
munities, which it is surprising to contemplate even now that, 
it has become a familiar fact. 

The men who did this work were a class of men to which 
John K. Gamble emphatically belonged. He went to Dakota 
shortly after the organization of that vast region which was 
formed into the Territory of Dakota ; he identitied himself with 
all her interests, he became prominent in all the councils of 
that region, and as the time drew nigh when Dakota could 
rightfully demand admission into the sisterhood of States, he 
was the foremost in advocating and formulating the measures 
by which that admission should be brought about. 

It was generally understood in Dakota for a long time that 
the vast Territory of Dakota should be admitted as a single 
State. Against that, Mr. Gamble wisely and firndy set his 
face, and with a wisdom which time has demonstrated to be 
true. 

This is his record in the history of the State of his adoption ; 
and now, Mr. President, that is an honor for any man. In the 
older historic times to have been thus concerned in the founda- 
tion of a great State would have hamled a man's name down 



64 Address of Mr. Kyli\ of Simtli Dakota, on the 

most illustriously. Such instances of recent years have been 
so freijueut, and the men who have been engaged in them so 
many, that the same distinction can not and will not be con- 
ferred iijwn them, nevertheless they deserve it. 

So, Mr. President, whatever is said here today concerning 
the memory of John K. (Gamble will have, except for those 
who knew him, very little siguiticame; but tons who did know 
him they signify much. What has been said here to-day will 
be read by his neighbors in his distant home with the highest 
appreciation and with the feeling that no tribute which has 
been paid to him here to day has been in the least degree un- 
deserved. 



ADDRESS OF MR. KYLE, OF SOUTH DAKOTA. 

Mr. President : John K. Gamble, Representative-elect to 
the Fifty-second Congress from the State of South Dakota, 
was born in Alabama, Genesee County, X. Y., January 13, 
IS-IS. His early life was spent upon the farm, where his edu- 
cational privileges were such as the country districts aftbrded. 
When about 14 years of age his parents moved to Appleton, 
Wis. It was in this State where his education was completed 
and where he, as a student in Lawrence University, distin- 
guished himself for thoroughness in scholarship, graduating 
with honors from the classical course in 1S72. 

Though living in the same State, it was not my privilege to 
become personally acquainted with the deceased; but in a 
general way he was well and favorably known to all who took 
an interest in the Tei-ritorial history of South Dakota, and in 
the preparation and contest for statehood. 

John R. Gamble was one of the early .settlers of the Ter- 
ritory, having opened a law office at Yankton in 1873, when 



Life and Characlvr of fohu R. C, amble. (55 

the Hortl.eru tliree-lburth.s of the Territory was a eomi-arative 
wilderness— the hunting- sruiuul of tlie Sioux IiKliaiis. 

Being energetic and active by nature his talents were soon 
demanded in the affairs of state. He filled successively the 
(.ttices of district attorney for his county, United States dis- 
trict attorney for the Territory, repres..nted his county in the 
legislature during 1877, 1S7,S, and 1879. and was a member of 
tlie Territorial council from 1881 to 1885. In the fall of I8<»() 
he was chosen Of^ugressman-atlarge a,,o„ the Itepuhlirn, 
ticket. 

During tin- early days of a State, when laws are beiugen- 
acted and institutions are being- founded, when her future is 
being mai)i.e,l out, great respousibilities rest upon those .-ailed 
to be leaders. - ..^ 

The State of South Dakota, looks back to-day upon many of 
her noble sons with piide. Men who have given her a .-onsti- 

, tution second t.. none, and educational institutions which 
ivould do honor to tiie most favored States. l!ut her lustory of 
these is not read without feeling and seeing the impress of the 
wisdom and untiring- industry of John R. Gamblk. He was 
associated in this work with men of national rei.utation, all of 
wh.m. sj,eak in terms of highest praise of his zeal in behalf of 
the future of the Dakotas. 

Though a young man at the time of Ids death, he had, like 
many before him who Iiave been pressed by the emergency of 
the times into public service, accomi)lislicd the work and 
reaped the rewar.ls of a long lif,.. We |.,v.. in his career a 
lesson for the young as to what can be ac.-omplished by 
thoroughness of study and untiring energy. ' ' ' 

His public life was merely the complement of another life 
spent in devotion to his profession. He was known at the bar 

as a student versed in the law, and therefore an antagonist to 

be feared. 

H. Mis. 83 -y 



()6 Address of Mr. Kyle', of South Dakota. 

It was not his privilc,<;e to take his seat upon tlic floor of 
('oiiyress. 

It is difficult to toll what would have been his record in tliis 
national capacity; but it is sate" to say that he would have 
l)rouglit to his new work the well trained euthusia.sni of previ- 
ous years. 

John E. Gamble lias j;one from us. The lite ininiot'tal is 
now his — where proj^ress is unhiudered and where, tree from 
the coutlicts aud sutlerinj;- of mortality, his soul rests with the 
all wise aud beueticeut Creator. He is mourned by citizens 
of South Dakota irresiiective of party, aud they unite with 
the State's representatives in payiuj;- this last tribute to a hard- 
working, painstaking lawyer, a wise statesman, and kind hus- 
band and father. 

Mr. President, I move the adoption of the resolutions. 
The resolutions were agreed to unanimously. 



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